Most shoe polish has silicon in it and it's hard to keep seepage away from the wood. Any that gets in the wood repels the oils or finishes.
This is what I found when I played with various wood polishing techniques.

Most shoe polish has silicon in it and it's hard to keep seepage away from the wood. Any that gets in the wood repels the oils or finishes.
This is what I found when I played with various wood polishing techniques.

This^^^
Beware modern polishes as most contain silicone and this makes future repaired to the wood or touch up of the finish impossible.
Honestly the patina would
Be fine realy, but next to wood it could discolor the wood over time in this area.

You can always use automotive Clear Ceramic coating. Once the surface is prepped and cleaned,with 1-2 fine coats of this clear,the surface will remain untouched for years. Absolutely no discolouration.
And by the way, I take my hat off to you sir.not only a brilliant Mod, it's absolutely beautiful.
Cheers,
Al

Had some good design finessing breakthroughs today after meeting with Timmy and Floorzone yesterday and getting their feedback on the current prototype, just a last few materials to source and I'm up and running